Making a Difference

Doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and social workers consistently report that Hope for Henry is successfully making a positive difference in their young patients’ lives. They tell us that patients smile more, are happier, and their overall spirit and attitude toward treatment improves because of our work. Research has shown that the reduction in anxiety, fear and pain can lead to improved patient outcomes, particularly for pediatric patients who can suffer psychosocial problems long after the termination of treatment.

Every week, kids tell us just what a positive impact Hope for Henry has in their lives. After last year’s Halloween party, a six year-old patient exclaimed, “This was the best day ever!”

Here is some more feedback from doctors, child life experts, parents and patients:

It was clear that the superhero’s visit to my patient increased his quality of life here in the hospital during a difficult and prolonged stay. It was also clear that this experience helped him momentarily forget about his leukemia and bone marrow transplant and allowed him to be lost in his Superhero dreams and thoughts. As his physician, I am extremely grateful that the Hope for Henry Foundation sponsored this party and was able to contribute to his hospital experience in such a special and positive way. I only hope that more children are able to benefit from such an experience.”

This 9-year-old girl was diagnosed right before Christmas, and the first thing she asked at diagnosis was ‘will I have to be in the hospital for my birthday?’ The answer, due to treatment needs, was yes. So, when her birthday came it was important to make it special. She was sleeping when her room was set up, and when she awoke to a room decorated with Hello Kitty, her face just lit up! She got really excited about the goodie bags too. It was a special and memorable day.”

What you are doing through Hope for Henry is truly making a difference in the lives of many children and their families. You really are bringing a lot of hope and joy into this world. You are truly our idea of what real super heroes are meant to be!”

This was the best thing that has happened to me since my leukemia was diagnosed.”

–Patient
Georgetown University Hospital

We want to thank you for your amazing gifts to our son, which brought a huge smile to his face as he began his difficult two-year treatment for T-cell ALL. He chose a Gameboy which has been a tremendous help in getting him through his procedures and a great distraction for our long drives.”

-Mother of Daniel, age 9

I’m really glad I got these gifts. It’s helping me to, kind of “lay back.” Also to not really worry so much.”

–Jaclyn P.

Thank you for all that you do for children that are ill. I know that you already understand this, but I just wanted to tell you how much your love and concern for our child has strengthened our ability as parents and as a family to cope and care for Maggie during our battle with cancer.”

–Michelle C., Maggie’s mom

You should have seen the smile on our patient’s face when he received the laptop computer you sent for him! His eyes lit up and his smile could not have been bigger. We appreciate so much Hope for Henry’s extra effort and willingness to provide this gift. He has a rough road of treatment ahead of him and will be missing his senior year of high school. The laptop will enable him to keep in touch with his friends, keep up with his school work, and relieve many hours of boredom and difficult treatment.”